"But I am very surprised to hear a Baha'i scholar talk like this. It is
my understanding, from my readings of the Writings of the Baha'i
Central Figures, particularly Abdul Baha and Shoghi Effendi, that we
as Baha'is are diametrically opposed to such revisionists. That is,
our Central Figures uphold the teachings of the New Testament as a
whole, and regard it all as divine Scripture, not just the parts
normally ascribed to Jesus Himself."
Dear Ron,
I don't know of any place in the Writings that directly speaks to this
question and the truth is that Baha'is have different understandings on this
issue. Some Baha'is even imagine that Paul was some kind of Covenant
breaker. I don't happen to agree with them, but neither do I feel
constrained to necessarily agree with all aspects of Paul's writings.
Actually, I think a lot of Protestants have simply take Paul much further
than he really ever intended to go.
"As for the Bible, as you know, I know it. The stoning incident is an
important one. But I do not think your interpretation is viable. It is
not consistent with the rest of the New Testament."
It is consistent with Jesus' treatment of women as found in the Gospel of
Luke. But of course the stoning incident is found in John's Gospel.
"Jesus said "" let he who is without sin amongst you cast the first
stone". In saying this, He obviously banned stoning for all time and
in all places for those who would follow Him."
That's not obvious to me at all.
"Jesus repeatedly, all through the Gospels, refuses to obey the Old
Testament Laws time and time again, and He does so publicly and makes
doubly certain that people notice He does this."
And at other times He tells His disciples that they must do better than the
Pharisees in upholding the law; that they should do as they say but not as
they do.
"And, both from a conventional Christian point of view, as well as a
Baha'i point of view (as expounded by our Central Figures), Paul's
commentary on the Law is every bit as binding and authoritative as any
other part of the New Testament."
You'll have to give me some support from the Writings for that latter
statement.
warmest, Susan
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